Byrd, who was released by the Boston Red Sox on June 12, was suspended 50 games by MLB on Monday after apparently testing positive for a performance enhancing substance, as confirmed by the MLB Public Relations Twitter account.
Byrd reportedly tested positive for "Tamoxifen," a substance commonly known as a cancer prevention drug, according to CSNNE's Sean McAdam.
After a mid-April trade from the Chicago Cubs to Boston, Byrd helped maintain some stability in a patchwork Red Sox outfield. Byrd hit .270 with one home run and seven RBIs in 34 games with the Sox.
The 34-year-old outfielder had been struggling mightily with the Cubs before the April 21 trade, hitting an embarrassing .070 with three hits in 47 at bats.
He has been on the free agent market since his release from the Red Sox. He will be placed on the restricted list for the duration of the suspension, which began immediately upon the positive test.
Byrd is in his 11th season in the big leagues, batting .278 over his career with five different clubs — Philadelphia, Washington Texas, Chicago and Boston. He was named to his first and only All-Star team in 2010, while still with the Cubs.
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Free agent OF Marlon Byrd has received a 50-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.
— MLB Public Relations (@MLB_PR) June 25, 2012
